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. 2025 Jul;39(10):2057-2063.
doi: 10.1038/s41433-025-03805-2. Epub 2025 Apr 19.

Photobiomodulation-induced choriocapillaris perfusion enhancement and outer retinal remodelling in intermediate age-related macular degeneration: a promising therapeutic approach with short-term results

Pasquale Viggiano  1 , Giacomo Boscia  2 , Arcangelo Clemente  2 , Mariapia Laterza  2 , Alba Chiara Termite  2 , Maria Grazia Pignataro  2 , Antonio Salvelli  2 , Enrico Borrelli  3 , Michele Reibaldi  3 , Giuseppe Giannaccare  4 , Giovanni Alessio  2 , Francesco Boscia  2
Affiliations

Photobiomodulation-induced choriocapillaris perfusion enhancement and outer retinal remodelling in intermediate age-related macular degeneration: a promising therapeutic approach with short-term results

Pasquale Viggiano et al. Eye (Lond). 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on choriocapillaris (CC) perfusion and drusen volume in patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: In this retrospective pilot study, 30 patients receiving PBM therapy and 30 age-matched controls were analysed. Treatment consisted of 8 sessions over 4 weeks using the EYE-LIGHT® device. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low luminance visual acuity (LLVA), mean drusen volume (MDV), and CC flow deficit percentage (FD%) were evaluated at baseline and 2-month follow-up.

Results: The PBM group showed significant improvements in BCVA (Δ +3.2 ± 1.4 letters, p = 0.042), reduction in drusen volume (Δ -0.003 ± 0.001 mm³, p = 0.028), and decrease in choriocapillaris FD% (Δ -3.1 ± 1.4%, p = 0.024), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Changes in choriocapillaris FD% correlated with BCVA improvement (r = -0.54, p = 0.002) and drusen volume reduction (r = 0.35, p = 0.042).

Conclusions: PBM therapy induces significant choriocapillaris remodelling in intermediate AMD, associated with functional improvement and drusen volume reduction. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role of PBM in modulating choroidal perfusion in AMD.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: EB is a member of the Eye editorial board. The other authors declare no competing interests.

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